Recent Advances in Vascular Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Correct functioning of the vascular system is crucial to avoid the development of cardiovascular pathologies. Despite the increasing economic burden of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease in developed societies, current pharmacological and surgical interventions still do not offer a definitive cure for many existing patients. However, vascular tissue engineering is emerging as a promising and powerful treatment option. The selection of an appropriate vascular cell source in addition to the creation of a proper microenvironment that would kept the cells alive and able to maintain or develop a specific differentiated state in the host body, is essential for the implementation of vascular tissue engineering as a feasible therapy. In this thesis, the main cell sources used at present for vascular regeneration are reviewed as well as the hydrogel-based biomaterials that can support and recreate a suitable cell microenvironment, with a special focus on recent advances in customized smart scaffolds. Finally, some relevant perspectives for the future of the vascular tissue engineering field are presented.